Radiology Technologist in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA
How to Become a Radiology Technologist in California
To become a Certified Radiologic Technologist in California, individuals must complete a California-approved radiologic technology program and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography Examination. The application is submitted to the California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) with a fee of $112.00. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check. While ARRT certification is recognized, California may require its own state-specific examination if not ARRT-certified, and separate permits are needed for specialized procedures like fluoroscopy.
Radiology Technologist Requirements in California
| Detail | California |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a California-approved radiologic technology program |
| Exam | ARRT Radiography Examination and California State examination ($225) |
| Application Fee | $112 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18 is required. A thorough background investigation is also required. In addition to the ARRT exam, California requires its own state-specific examination for certification if not ARRT-certified. Separate permits are required for fluoroscopy, and 4 of the 24 CE hours must be in digital radiography. If holding a mammography certificate, 10 of the 24 CE hours must be in mammography. If holding a fluoroscopy permit, 4 of the 24 CE hours must be in radiation safety for clinical uses of fluoroscopy. |
Source: California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB)
Radiology Technologist Salary in California
The median radiology technologist salary in California is $107,670 per year, which is 38.6% above the national median of $77,660.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $63,300 |
| 25th | $84,260 |
| 50th (median) | $107,670 |
| 75th | $133,840 |
| 90th (experienced) | $164,550 |
California employs approximately 19,550 radiology technologists.
Radiology Technologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Radiology Technologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.56/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Radiology Technologist in California Worth It?
Factors to consider: California's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.